Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair of Aortic Arch Pathologies with the Conformable Thoracic Aortic Graft: Early and 2 year Results from a European Multicentre Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To assess safety, effectiveness and clinical outcome of the conformable thoracic aortic endograft (CTAG) in the treatment of aortic arch pathologies. METHODS: Between October 2009 and December 2010, 100 consecutive patients (65 men; mean age 65 years) with aortic arch pathologies were treated with the CTAG device in five European centres. Indications were thoracic aortic aneurysm (n = 57), Type B dissection (n = 24), intramural haematoma (n = 4), penetrating aortic ulcer (n = 9), and traumatic transection (n = 6). Emergency procedures were performed in 33%. The proximal landing zone (LZ) was LZ 0 in 7%, LZ 1 in14%, LZ 2 in 43%, and LZ 3 in 36%. Data were collected prospectively and analysed for technical and clinical success. Conformability and deployment accuracy were analysed on intra-operative angiography and post-operative computed tomography. Mean follow up was 24 ± 19 months (range, 0.3-36 months). RESULTS: The 30 day, 1 and 2 year survival rates were 90%, 81%, and 74% respectively. The 2 year survival was 80% in the elective and 62% in the emergency groups (p = .20). The major 30 day complication rate was 34%: primary Type Ia endoleak affected 1%, retrograde dissection in 1%, and the paraplegia and stroke rates at 30 days were 4% and 11%. Age > 70 years was an independent predictor for mortality and complications. The primary technical success rate was 92%; device deployment was successful in 100% and accurate in 99%. Conformability to the aortic arch was achieved in 95%. CONCLUSION: The CTAG stent graft shows high deployment accuracy, good conformability, and clinical effectiveness in the treatment of aortic arch pathologies. However, thoracic endovascular aortic repair in the arch is associated with a relatively high stroke rate. Further studies with more patients and longer follow up are needed to evaluate the long-term results.

Value and limitations of chimney grafts to treat arch lesions.

AIM: The endovascular debranching with chimney stents provides a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery with readily available devices and has extended the option of endoluminal therapy into the realm of the aortic arch. But a critical observation at the use of this technique at the aortic arch is important and necessary because of the lack of long-term results and long term patency of the stents. Our study aims to review the results of chimney grafts to treat arch lesions. METHODS: A systematic health database search was performed in December 2014 according to the Prisma Guidelines. Papers were sought through a meticulous search of the MEDLINE database (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MA) using the Pubmed search engine. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were eligible for detailed analysis and data extraction. A total of 182 patients underwent chimney techniques during TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair). A total of 217 chimney grafts were implanted: 36 to the IA, 1 to the RCCA, 91 to the LCCA and 89 to the LSA. The type of stent-graft used for TEVAR was described in 132 patients. The type and name of chimney graft was described in 126 patients. In 53 patients information was limited to the type. Primary technical success, defined as a complete chimney procedure was achieved in 171 patients (98%). In 8 patients it was not clearly reported. The overall stroke rate was 5.3%. The overall endoleak rate, in those papers were it was clearly reported, was 18.4% (31 patients); 23(13,6%) patients developed a type IA endoleak, 1 patient (0.6%) developed type IB endoleak and 7 patients (4.1%) developed a type II endoleak CONCLUSION: The total endovascular aortic arch debranching technique represent a good option to treat high-risk patients, because it dramatically reduces the aggressiveness of the procedure in the arch. Many concerns are still present, mainly related to durability and material interaction during time. Long-term follow-up is exceptionally important in light of the interactions of the stents, the thoracic endograft, the aortic arch, and every variation in systolic and diastolic pressure. Actually this technique has acceptable short and mid-term results. Long term data are available just from a very small number of patients and more data from a wider number are needed in order to embrace this method as a safe one.

Case report of an endovascular repair of a residual type A dissection using a not CE not FDA-approved Najuta thoracic stent graft system.

This report describes an endovascular repair of a residual type A dissection using a medical device that is not marked by european conformity (CE) or Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The patient underwent ascending aortic surgery for acute type A dissection. The 2-year angio-computed tomography demonstrated patency of the residual false lumen with evolution into a 6 cm aneurysm, the extension of the dissection from the aortic arch to the aortic bifurcation with thrombosis of the right common iliac artery. There was no CE- or FDA-marked medical device indicated for this case or any other acceptable therapeutic alternative.We used the Najuta thoracic stent graft and successfully handled the pathology in a multiple-phase treatment.Technology is evolving with specific grafts for the ascending and fenestrated grafts for the aortic arch. In this single case the Najuta endograft, in spite of the periprocedural problems, was a valid therapeutic option.

Endovascular repair of acute uncomplicated aortic type B dissection promotes aortic remodelling: 1 year results of the ADSORB trial.

OBJECTIVES: Uncomplicated acute type B aortic dissection (AD) treated conservatively has a 10% 30-day mortality and up to 25% need intervention within 4 years. In complicated AD, stent grafts have been encouraging. The aim of the present prospective randomised trial was to compare best medical treatment (BMT) with BMT and Gore TAG stent graft in patients with uncomplicated AD. The primary endpoint was a combination of incomplete/no false lumen thrombosis, aortic dilatation, or aortic rupture at 1 year. METHODS: The AD history had to be less than 14 days, and exclusion criteria were rupture, impending rupture, malperfusion. Of the 61 patients randomised, 80% were DeBakey type IIIB. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were randomised to the BMT group and 30 to the BMT+TAG group. Mean age was 63 years for both groups. The left subclavian artery was completely covered in 47% and in part in 17% of the cases. During the first 30 days, no deaths occurred in either group, but there were three crossovers from the BMT to the BMT+TAG group, all due to progression of disease within 1 week. There were two withdrawals from the BMT+TAG group. At the 1-year follow up there had been another two failures in the BMT group: one malperfusion and one aneurysm formation (p = .056 for all). One death occurred in the BMT+TAG group. For the overall endpoint BMT+TAG was significantly different from BMT only (p < .001). Incomplete false lumen thrombosis, was found in 13 (43%) of the TAG+BMT group and 30 (97%) of the BMT group (p < .001). The false lumen reduced in size in the BMT+TAG group (p < .001) whereas in the BMT group it increased. The true lumen increased in the BMT+TAG (p < .001) whereas in the BMT group it remained unchanged. The overall transverse diameter was the same at the beginning and after 1 year in the BMT group (42.1 mm), but in the BMT+TAG it decreased (38.8 mm; p = .062). CONCLUSIONS: Uncomplicated AD can be safely treated with the Gore TAG device. Remodelling with thrombosis of the false lumen and reduction of its diameter is induced by the stent graft, but long term results are needed.

Endovascular treatment of extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm and aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm.

We report an endovascular approach that used to treat a symptomatic extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm associated to an asymptomatic aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm. A 54-year-old man presented with neck pain, vertigo and loss of balance. The computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a left extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm that compressed and eroded the C5 vertebra associated to an aberrant right subclavian artery aneurysm. Endovascular exclusion of the vertebral aneurysm using a covered stent and a hybrid treatment of the aberrant subclavian artery aneurysm were performed. The 13th month follow-up CT scan confirmed the stent-grafts and supra-aortic vessels patency. The endovascular treatment represents a good option for these complex pathologies with excellent immediate results, reduces the complication rate and the hospital stay if compared to open repair. Long-term follow-up is necessary. To our knowledge this is a unique case in the literature.

Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair with the ultra-low profile Ovation Abdominal Stent-Graft System.

AIM: Aim of the study was to report our single-center experience of the ultra-low profile OvationTM Abdominal Stent-Graft System with totally percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR). METHODS: Between December 2010 and March 2013 we electively treated 35 patients (male: 89%, mean age: 73±7 years) with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) using bilateral PEVAR with the OvationTM endograft. Most (77%) cases were characterized by challenging femoral artery anatomy. Patients returned for follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6 months and annually thereafter. RESULTS: Technical success was 97.1%. One type Ia endoleak was identified on final angiography, which was treated with an extension cuff. No groin complications were observed, including lymphocele, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, dehiscence, or wound infection. Mean follow-up was 10 months (range 1-24 months). No death was registered. One type Ia endoleak was identified at the 12-month follow-up, which resolved with placement of a Palmaz balloon-expandible stent. No type II, III, or IV endoleaks were identified. No migration, AAA enlargement, AAA rupture, or conversion to open surgery was reported. Two patients (5.7%) developed monolateral iliac limb occlusion at 58 and 72 days of follow-up, respectively. In one case a limb kinking was observed and treated with iliac kissing stent. The other limb occlusion was due to external iliac artery severe stenosis and was treated with thrombolysis and iliac artery stenting. CONCLUSION: PEVAR with the OvationTM endograft is feasible and safe in patients with unfavorable anatomy.

Endovascular stenting of the ascending aorta for type A aortic dissections in patients at high risk for open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Open repair is the gold standard for type A aortic dissection (TAAD). Endovascular option has been proposed in very limited and selected TAAD patients. We report our experience with endovascular TAAD repair. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were: (1) entry tear in the ascending aorta; (2) proximal landing zone of at least 2 cm; (3) distance between entry tear and brachio-cephalic trunk of at least 0.5 cm; (4) no signs of cardiac tamponade or severe aortic regurgitation and (5) no signs of aortic branches ischaemia. Patients with cardiac revascularisation from ascending aorta were excluded. RESULTS: From April 2009 to June 2012, 37 patients with TAAD were admitted to our hospital. As many as 28 underwent surgical repair and 9 were considered at high surgical risk in a multidisciplinary meeting. Four met our inclusion criteria for an endovascular approach. Two of them had previous ascending aortic repair for TAAD and one had aortic valve replacement. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients. No mortality was registered during a median follow-up of 15 months (range 4-39 months), no migration of the graft and complete false lumen thrombosis of the ascending aorta in three patients. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of TAAD is challenging but feasible in a selected subset of patients. Further research remains mandatory.

Aortic debranching from the ascending aorta: a novel surgical approach for extended TAAA and chronic type B dissections in high risk patients.

AIM: Extend thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) involving arch vessels and the visceral arteries remains a challenging operation when affecting high risk patients (HRP). Recently, hybrid surgery has gained popularity for HRP. The conventional surgical repair is the gold standard for low risk patients with previous mortality from 6% to 15% in thoracic aneurysms up to 30% in thoracic type B dissections. The risk of paraplegia is 3% to 15%. Without repair the outcome is poor with only 35% of patient's survival at two years after diagnosis. The total endovascular technique is not widespread used because of its very time-consuming, needs training, and procedure planning with high radiation exposure. Only few centers in the world perform it. In order to reduce the morbidity a novel approach is proposed, with an aortic debranching from the ascending aorta. METHODS: Nine patients (two females) aged between 53 and 81 years, with high risk factors for surgery, were offered this hybrid technique from March 2004 to July 2009. Eight patients presented with a TAAA and one type a B chronic dissection. A staged hybrid operation started by a debranching of the aorta from a median sternotomy to supra-aortic vessels and visceral arteries, followed by the second stage one-two weeks later, with an extended stent grafting. This attitude avoids CPB and aortic cross clamping. The surgical approach is a median sternotomy combined to mid upper laparotomy associated to pericardial and diaphragm division. It is well tolerated even in elderly patients and allows easy access to celiac axis (CA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), right renal artery (RRA). Access to the left renal artery is more difficult and may be benefit from a combinated stent grafting and bypass according to the VORTEC technique described by Lachat M, or an extra-anatomic bypass. Rerouting the visceral arteries is done from the ascending aorta with a partial clamping on an undiseased implantation site, offering à good anterograde high flow. Combined bypass to supraaortic vessels is associated when needed. RESULTS: There was no intraoperative mortality. One patient died during 30D period from cardiac failure and another on the early follow up from a pancreatic fistula. The complications: one stroke (11.1%); one cardiac failure (11.1%); one renal failure (11.1%), one pancreatic fistula (11.1%), one non-infected retrostrenal collection (11.1%). No paraplegia, limb ischemia or aortic fistula were detected. No stent-graft related complication was retrieved, the bypass patency was 77.7 at four-year survival. CONCLUSION: Our early and mid term results are promising and similarly to other series. This new approach for rerouting the supraaortic and visceral arteries before stent grafting in extended TAAA, lowers the surgical injury and is particularly designed for HRP who cannot benefit from conventional surgery under CPB. Larger series and longer follow-up are needed.

[The treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs: the organizational appropriateness in Italy from 1999 to 2006]. / L'appropriatezza organizzativa del trattamento delle varici degli arti inferiori: una analisi del contesto italiano dal 1999 al 2006.

The treatment of varicose veins is a major topic for National Health Services because of high prevalence of this disease. The development of minimally invasive varicose veins surgery allowed the treatment as a day case in a hospital setting. Our research analysed the differences between day hospital and ordinary interventions for varicose veins surgery in Italy; furthermore, our research compares the trend of Day Surgery hospitalizations in Italy with the results of the English National Health System. The proportion of Day surgery interventions on the total of varicose veins interventions has considerably increased in Italy from 1999 to 2006, although the development of minimally invasive varicose veins surgery in Italy is slower compared to England. Starting from 2003 the Day Surgery treatment for ligature and stripping of varicose veins has gradually increased in Italy. This result is due to the impact of different regulatory level planning, managerial and clinical skills in hospital setting favouring the development of alternative treatments to the ordinary hospitalization.

Temporal approach: a good way to provide cerebral protection for proximal carotid stenosis, the last chance for trackability in CAS.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the temporal approach during coronary artery stenosis (CAS) to overcome tortuosity in case of difficult arch anatomy or tortuous common carotid artery, and to provide cerebral protection of proximal lesions of the supra-aortic trunks during stenting. METHODS: The superficial temporal artery is exposed through a small incision right in front of the ear and is cannulated. A guidewire is used to descend in the external and common carotid artery and in the arch if needed. Between the end of March 2007 and May 2008 9 patients were treated with the temporal approach: in 5 cases of stenosis of the internal carotid artery with difficult arch anatomy to obtain a through and through guide from the temporal to the femoral artery, in 3 of the supra-aortic trunks to obtain cerebral protection during the procedure and in one case of tandem lesion of the left common and internal carotid artery. RESULTS: The procedure was successful in all 9 cases and there were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: The temporal approach proved to be feasible and at low risk; it represents a new possibility to increase the feasibility of carotid artery stenting in patients with difficult anatomy but, above all, it is a good way to obtain cerebral protection during endovascular treatment of proximal lesions of the supra-aortic vessels.

Great vessel management for endovascular exclusion of aortic arch aneurysms and dissections.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a recent approach for the endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections involving the aortic arch in high risk patients (HRP). METHODS: Amongst 102 thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections, we treated 25 patients for aortic arch endovascular exclusion after transposition of the great vessels, of which 14 (56%) had thoracic aortic arch aneurysms and 11 type A and B chronic aortic dissections. Total transpositions were done in 15 cases (60%) and hemi-arch transpositions in 10. We then used Talent, Excluder and Zenith endografts in 12, seven and six cases, respectively. RESULTS: Surgical transpositions were complicated by one minor stroke, which worsened to a major stroke (4%) after endovascular exclusion. After endovascular exclusions, two patients (8%) died from catheterization related complications. One patient had a delayed minor stroke (4%). The successful exclusion rate was 92%. During follow-up (15+/-5.8 months), one patient (4%) developed unilateral limb palsy, successfully treated by CSF drainage. The late exclusion rate remained 92%. No stent-related complications were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Transposition of supra-aortic vessels allows the endovascular exclusion of the aortic arch in HRP. Aortic endografting after surgical transposition proved to be feasible and offers good mid-term results. Specialized surgical centers with both endovascular and surgical expertise are required to treat these patients.

Great vessels transposition and aortic arch exclusion.

AIM: We describe our experience in endovascular repair of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections (TAAD) involving the aortic arch in high risk patients (HRP). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients presented with TAAD involving the aortic arch and were treated by endovascular exclusion. Pathologies were as follows: atherosclerotic aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta in 15 cases, acute Stanford type A dissections in 6 cases, Stanford type B dissections in 7 cases (1 acute), and 1 false aneurysm of the ascending aorta. Total-arch transpositions of all supra-aortic vessels (aortic debranching) to the ascending aorta were done in 11 cases throught median sternotomy. We performed carotido-carotid bypass (hemi-arch transposition) in 16 patients by cervicotomy. Secondary to surgical transpositions, we placed endovascular stentgrafts in all but 2 patients for final exclusion, the 2 remaining being planned for later exclusion. The Talent, Excluder, TAG and Zenith endografts were used in 12, 3, 1 and 4 cases respectively. Banding technique was associated in some cases. RESULTS: All surgical transpositions were successful although 1 led to a minor stroke (1/29=3.5%), which worsened to major stroke after endovascular exclusion. Endovascular procedures were performed in all but one case (26/27=96.3%). Two patients (2/26=7.7%) died from catheterization related complications after endovascular exclusion (iliac rupture and left ventricle perforation). One patient had a delayed minor stroke (1/26=3.8%). Recirculation was found in 13.3% (2/15) of aneurysms and 27.3% of thoracic false channels. During a mean follow-up of 15.7 months (13 days to 45.5 months), 1 patient (1/26=3.8%) who had preoperative chronic pulmonary failure died at 6 months from respiratory worsening. We observed one case (3.8%) of unilateral limb palsy unrelated to cerebral ischemia, which we successfully treated by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. No stent-related complication was seen. One new type 1 endoleak appeared at 12 months on an aneurysm, which resolved after stentgraft extension. Three thoracic dissection false channels remained patent during follow-up, of which one was retrograde originating distally in the descending aorta. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary endovascular exclusion of thoracic aortic diseases involving the arch in HRP is made feasible thanks to the preliminary aortic debranching. Total-arch transposition may be of greater interest in case of proximal neck length uncertainty and potential embolization from the aortic arch. Mid-term results are good although patients must be followed carefully to detect aortic recirculation and enlargement.

Use of ipsilateral greater saphenous vein as a valved transplant in management of post-thrombotic deep venous insufficiency: long-term results.

Incompetence of the deep venous valve is a common feature of post-thrombotic deep venous insufficiency. Various surgical techniques have been proposed to treat reflux. In this study we describe long-term results of a novel transposition technique using the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein. From 1984 to 1994 we used this procedure to treat 16 patients including 10 men and 6 women with a mean age of 56 years (range: 25 to 76 years). In all 16 cases the indication for surgery was incapacitating pain associated with recurring ulceration in 9 patients. From the results of using this technique we conclude that transposition using the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein is safe and effective with good mid-term results, especially for pain. For ulcers the primary success rate was 55% but this increased to 84% with proper surveillance and treatment of secondary insufficiency of the superficial venous system.

Seat-belt-related injuries to the supra-aortic arteries.

Five seat-belt-related injuries occurring in four adults are reported. One injury involved the common carotid artery, two the internal carotid and two the subclavian arteries. Three of the four injured persons were asymptomatic and one had delayed-onset symptoms; none suffered stroke. There was no operative mortality or morbidity. Overall, the functional results of arterial reconstruction were good, with satisfactory patency at follow-up averaging 15 months.

[Intravascular treatment of iliac aneurysms]. / Trattamento endovascolare degli aneurismi del distretto iliaco.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the feasibility of the intravascular treatment of iliac aneurysms in patients at high perioperative risk. MATERIAL AND METHODS: January, 1996, to December, 1997, seven iliac aneurysms in 5 patients were treated using endovascular procedures. The patients were 4 men and 1 woman whose mean age was 70 years (range: 61-74 years). Four of 7 aneurysms were in the common iliac artery (2 true aneurysms and 2 anastomotic aneurysms after aortoiliac bypass) and 3 were true internal iliac artery aneurysms. Preoperative CT and arteriography were performed in all cases to define the vascular morphology of the aneurysm, including its exact diameter and length. All procedures were performed in the operating room by a team of vascular radiologists and vascular surgeons, using a portable digital RX system (Philips BV29). The femoral approach was always used, which was percutaneous under local anesthesia in 4 cases and surgical under epidural anesthesia in the other 3 cases, according to the patient's general condition and to common femoral artery morphology. Six endovascular Passager grafts were positioned in the common iliac artery using over-the-wire techniques; platinum coil embolization of the aneurysmatic internal iliac artery had been performed in 2 cases. Coil embolization of the hypogastric artery aneurysm was the only treatment in 1 case. Bilateral aneurysms were treated separately, at intervals of no less than 3 months. RESULTS: Immediate aneurysm exclusion was obtained in all cases, as confirmed at 2-20 months' follow-up in 6 cases. A displaced prosthesis needed reoperation in 1 case. No complications were observed during or early after the procedures, which were always well tolerated by the patients. DISCUSSION: The endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms is a relatively recent procedure and thus only short- and mid-run results are currently available, which appear satisfactory in 85% of the world's literature cases. Prosthesis displacement and intimal hyperplasia are reported as the main causes of failure. Lacking long-term results, we reserve this method to selected cases. Shorter hospitalization is another advantage. CONCLUSIONS: This little invasive procedure appears suitable for high-risk patients and in the aneurysmatic complications metachronous to surgical bypass.

Surgical treatment of digestive arteries aneurysms.

Eight patients of a mean age of 56.4 years, have been operated on for 9 digestive arteries aneurysms in a 7-years-period. Sites of aneurysmal disease included 3 splenic, 3 superior mesenteric, 2 hepatic, and 1 left gastric arteries. Five patients (62.5%) were asymptomatic, while 3 (37.5%) presented with symptoms. Three patients (37.5%) presented associated aortic lesions consisting in 2 infrarenal aneurysms and 1 aorto-iliac stenosis. Of the 9 arteries treated, 5 were revascularized. Restaurative operations included 1 reconstructive endoaneurysmorraphy, 3 retrograde by-pass grafts (2 Dacron and 1 PTFE), and 1 antegrade by-pass graft (Dacron) from the coeliac aorta. There were no post-operative deaths. Mean length of follow-up was 47.8 months. No patient presented with late intestinal or operation related problems.

Pseudoaneurysm of the descending genicular artery after arthroscopic meniscectomy: report of a case.

Vascular injuries in the arthroscopic meniscectomy of the knee are uncommon. A case of pseudoaneurysm of the descending genicular artery in a 39-year-old man, after medial arthroscopic meniscectomy, is reported. The pseudoaneurysm was simple to diagnose with computed tomographic scan and angiography, and treatment was successful surgical resection.

Adventitial cyst of the popliteal artery. Report of a case.

A case of cystic degeneration of the popliteal artery in a 58-year-old male is reported. Symptoms consisted of a claudication of abrupt onset and the correct diagnostic clue was initially given by magnetic resonance of the knee and confirmed by angiography. Treatment consisted of surgical removal of the cyst and saphenous vein angioplasty of the popliteal artery, with good anatomic and functional result at one year follow-up. Diagnostic tools and treatment of the condition are briefly discussed.

Infectious arterial aneurysms: patterns and treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate patterns and evolution of treatment of infectious arterial aneurysms in a 15 year period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eight patients bearing 8 arterial aneurysms: 4 aorto-iliac, 1 of the internal carotid, 1 of the posterior tibial, 1 of the cubital, 1 of the internal carotid artery. For the aorto-iliac aneurysms treatment consisted in resection extra-anatomic by-pass in 2, "in situ" prosthetic grafting in the other 2. Extra-abdominal aneurysms were treated by excision/"in situ" vein grafting in two cases and simple resection in other two cases. RESULTS: One post-operative death occurred, due to rupture of a ligated aortic stump. No death or major complication occurred after "in situ" treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms and, overall, in extra-aortic aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: Staphylococcus and miceti have become the most frequently encountered causative agents. "In situ" grafting together with aggressive antibiotic therapy became the preferred method in the recent years and yielded good results.

Results of axillofemoral by-passes for aorto-iliac occlusive disease.

The purpose of this study was to review our results with axillofemoral by-passes performed for aorto-iliac occlusive disease. Fifty patients receiving 51 axillofemoral by-passes from January 1989 to December 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. The 30-day post-operative mortality was 4%. Seven patients (14%) presented graft-related local complications and all but one required reoperation. Five patients were lost to follow-up, the mean length of which was 36 months (16-74 months). Forty-nine per cent of the patients died during the follow-up period. At 36 months, the primary patency rate was 51%, the secondary patency rate was 69%, and limb valvage rate was 87%. A statistical difference was seen in the secondary patency rate between axillobifemoral by-pass (87%) and axillo-unifemoral by-pass (56%) at 36 months (P < 0.01), but no difference was seen in the limb salvage rate at 36 months between the two configurations of the by-pass (94% vs 81%) (P = NS). Twenty patients (40%) operated upon for acute ischemia had a significantly higher post-operative mortality rate (10% vs 0), a significantly higher amputation rate (20% vs 6.6%) and a significantly lower patency rate of by-pass (26% vs 63%) (P < 0.01), than the 30 patients (60%) operated on for claudication, rest pain or trophic ulcers. Our findings indicate that the results of axillofemoral by-pass are significantly influenced by the selection of patients for operation, namely the clinical status of ischaemic symptoms, and that since the overall results of axillofemoral by-pass are inferior to those of aortofemoral by-pass, this treatment should be restricted to patients at high risk of aortic clamping.